Steelers First-Team Offensive Line Missing Two Key Rookies

The first day of the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp at Saint Vincent College finally arrived. Many fans have been counting down the days until the start of camp, especially with the rookie class and free agents Omar Khan brought in. Fans begin to get a little glimpse of the team heading into the 2024 season. With a new quarterback room, questions about who will step into Diontae Johnson's shoes, and the cornerback situation, there is also another area of concern that Khan really focused on improving. 

The offensive line got a few new faces this offseason. The Steelers used their first and second-round picks to select Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. Many fans believed the days of bad snaps and Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle were over, but at day one of 2024 training camp, this was not the case. The Steelers first-team offensive line featured Moore at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo at left guard, Nate Herbig at center, James Daniels at right guard and Broderick Jones at right tackle. 

Khan has been vocal about moving Jones back to left tackle sooner than later. With the selection of Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, many believed that move would happen this season almost immediately. Mike Tomlin, however, is known to make rookies earn their stripes and with this being day one of training camp, there is plenty of time for the offensive line to shake up. 

"Versatility on the offensive line is important, and he proved that he could play right tackle, but he was drafted to be a left tackle and eventually, he will be a left tackle. When that is, time will tell," Khan said during the offseason.

Fautanu was selected with the 20th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington, and with the 51st pick, the Steelers drafted Frazier, who played for West Virginia. Both players were working with Dylan Cook, Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson with the second team. While being a first-round pick, Fautanu has been clear that the transition to the other side of the line would be difficult, but he is embracing the challenge. 

"The difference between left and right is just switching up the footwork, and that may sound easier than it is, but yeah, it's difficult, but I know it'll come with time, I'm just ready to take on the challenge," Fautanu said.

Fautanu did get some reps with the first-team during the first walk through, bumping Jones over to left tackle and Moore to the side. The Steelers will continue to mix up the offensive line during training camp until they believe they found their perfect mix. The rookies are rarely just given starting roles in the Tomlin era, so the first initial offensive lineup shouldn't come with much shock. 

The battle of Herbig and Frazier should be interesting since Herbig does have a little center experience in the NFL. Frazier who embodies the "Steeler Way" and when drafted, was believed to be an instant upgrade compared to Mason Cole, will make every rep count this training camp. Frazier was a two time All-American, three time All-Big 12, had 37 straight starts at center for the Mountaineers, and only allowed four sacks in his college career.

Pittsburgh has been searching for a franchise center since the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey and the overall hope is that Frazier will blossom into a star rather quickly.

Steelers' Rookies Have Time To Prove Themselves

It is just day one of camp, that is the good news for the rookies. With Fautanu already seeing a few first team reps is a good sign for the first round pick. Jones was given the same treatment as Fautanu and Frazier last year, but once he got his opportunity, he made the most out of it. Will the first two picks become starters by Week 1? Click the comments to tell us your thoughts.

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